U. S. President Donald Trump declared that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged to halt India’s purchases of Russian crude oil, a shift that would significantly upend global energy flows if implemented.
Trump told reporters that Modi made the commitment during their conversation, stating that phasing out Russian imports would not happen overnight but would take place “within a short period of time.” The Indian embassy in Washington has not confirmed the claim.
The announcement comes amid mounting pressure from the United States to sever Russia’s access to international energy markets in response to the war in Ukraine. India and China remain among the top buyers of Russian seaborne crude, and any pause or cessation in Indian imports could amplify the diplomatic and economic strain on Moscow.
India has historically defended its engagement with Russian oil as a necessity for energy security. The country has leveraged discounted Russian crude to meet rising domestic demand and stabilise fossil fuel supplies, even as Western nations imposed sanctions on Moscow following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Modi’s stated commitment, if genuine, would signal a dramatic recalibration of that strategy.
Analysts caution, however, that India faces structural and financial hurdles in rapidly shifting its oil sourcing. Reliance on Russian crude has enabled New Delhi to manage fuel costs and inflationary pressures. Critics suggest that turning away from Moscow could raise energy expenses and strain its import balance, particularly in the near term.
Market reaction has been swift: the Indian rupee rallied against the dollar following Trump’s remarks, aided by proactive interventions from the Reserve Bank of India aimed at defending the currency’s value. The central bank’s actions — heavy sales of U. S. dollars in state-backed operations — sought to neutralise speculative pressure and stabilise domestic financial conditions.
On the political front, the claim has instigated sharp domestic backlash. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi attacked Modi, accusing him of ceding India’s sovereign decision-making to U. S. dictates. Gandhi’s criticism frames the move as an erosion of strategic autonomy, suggesting that foreign policy should not be subject to external pressure.
Diplomatic analysts see this development as part of a broader escalation in U. S.–India trade and diplomatic tensions. Earlier this year, the Trump administration had imposed tariffs — including a 50 percent “reciprocal” levy — on Indian exports, citing India’s continuing Russian oil imports as justification. That move provoked strong objections from New Delhi, which denounced the tariffs as discriminatory and argued that India’s energy decisions are made in light of its own needs and supply constraints.
In Washington, Trump framed Modi’s alleged assurance as a diplomatic victory. He stated that the U. S. would now turn its attention to pressuring China to follow a similar course. Trump’s approach underscores a strategic effort to isolate Russia economically, leveraging bilateral ties with major importers.